A baby goes through several stages of development, beginning as a fertilized egg. The egg develops into a blastocyst, an embryo, then a fetus.

It is largely mature by the end of the second trimester, which is when babies first become able to survive outside the womb. Last of all to mature is the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for most of what we think of as mental life–conscious experience, voluntary actions, thinking, remembering, and feeling.

More severe depression during pregnancy, however, could possibly have a negative impact on your pregnancy. One 2016 study suggested that mental health issues like anxiety and depression during pregnancy may increase your chances of preterm birth and low birth weight.21

Your fetus will begin the process of developing a brain around week 5, but it isn’t until week 6 or 7 when the neural tube closes and the brain separates into three parts, that the real fun begins.30

The second trimester is a time of rapid growth for your baby (called a fetus). Most of the brain’s development begins now and will continue after your baby’s birth.18

7 Brain Foods for Kids

• Eggs. The protein and nutrients in eggs help kids concentrate, says Los Angeles-based chef Beth Saltz, RD.
• Greek Yogurt. Fat is important to brain health, says Laura Lagano, RD.
• Greens.
• Fish.
• Nuts and Seeds.
• Oatmeal.
• Apples and Plums.

If you’re looking for a few ideas to try with your infant, here are seven easy actions parents can take.

1. Stick out your tongue.
2. Get on your belly.
3. Ignite the senses.
4. Go big — or little.
5. Listen in.
6. Sing together.
7. Play peek-a-boo.
8. The power of play.

Studies in human babies have also shown that the addition of milk fat globule membrane to a baby’s diet can help the brain develop [5, 6].8

The flavonoids in chocolate may help protect the brain. Studies have suggested that eating chocolate could boost both memory and mood.9

Milk intake is associated with increased growth in children, most likely due to the presence of growth-promoting nutrients like protein, calcium, and IGF-1.2

These results are consistent with results from a recent study of 3076 participants 65.5 years of age at the time of neurocognitive evaluation, in which milk consumption was associated negatively with verbal and working memory performance [48].17